Let’s Play for Change Campaign

Between 2016 and 2019, we aim to welcome 350,000 children with and without intellectual disabilities into Young Athletes, thereby creating a minimum of 5,000 socially inclusive communities that foster the development and growth of children with intellectual disabilities. By the end of the campaign we hope to impact over 875,000 people, including caregivers, parents and teachers.

With the support of IKEA Foundation, we are working together to share the joy of sports and play with children and families who need it most.

A young child navigates an obstacle course at a Young Athletes demonstration in Thailand.

Special Olympics Young Athletes is a fun way for children with intellectual disabilities to experience play. Here a boy in India practices his throwing skills.

"Thanks to our partners at the IKEA Foundation, we are able to
grow Young Athletes and reach more children, impact more families
and further break down the perceptions that exist for children with
intellectual disabilities."

- Mary Davis, Special Olympics CEO

Campaign Goals (2016-2019)

350,000 children in Young Athletes activities

875,000 total beneficiaries impacted by project

5,000 socially inclusive communities

What is Special Olympics Young Athletes?

Special Olympics Young Athletes is a sport and play program
for children with and without intellectual disabilities
(ID), ages 2 to 7 years old. Young Athletes introduces basic
sport skills, like running, kicking and throwing. Young Athletes
offers families, teachers, caregivers and people from the community
the chance to share the joy of sports with all
children.

Children of all abilities take part, and they all benefit.

Young Athletes Resources

How Children Benefit from Young Athletes

Motor Skills

Children with ID who took part in a an eight-week Young Athletes curriculum saw seven month's development in motor skills. This is compared to a three-month gain in motor skills for children who did not participate.

Social, Emotional and Learning Skills

Parents and teachers of children who took part in the Young Athletes curriculum said the children learned skills that they will use in pre-primary school. The children were more enthusiastic and confident. They also played better with other children.

Expectations

Family members say that Young Athletes raised their hopes for their child's future.

Acceptance

Inclusive play has a benefit for children without ID as well. It helps them to better understand and accept others.

Why Play?

Play is at the heart of every happy childhood and is fundamental to child’s wellbeing. It gives children the chance to find out about the world, learn how to get along with people, stay healthy and cope with stress.

Many children around the world lack safe spaces to play, while others face discrimination because they are living with a disability. Let’s Play for Change, supported by the IKEA Foundation, aims to help children around the world play and develop even in the most difficult circumstances.

About IKEA Foundation

The IKEA Foundation (Stichting IKEA Foundation) is the philanthropic arm of INGKA Foundation, the owner of the IKEA Group of companies. We aim to improve opportunities for children and youth in some of the world's poorest communities by funding holistic, long-term programs that can create substantial, lasting change. The IKEA Foundation works with strong strategic partners applying innovative approaches to achieve large-scale results in four fundamental areas of a child's life: a place to call home; a healthy start in life; a quality education; and a sustainable family income, while helping these communities fight and cope with climate change.